With a growing number of older San Diegans needing additional support to meet their day-to-day needs, we are experiencing an urgent need for volunteers to help them stay connected to the people they love and the community they call home. From delivering meals, to making minor home repairs, to driving for people who can’t – you can make a difference in the life of someone who needs you.

We’d love to talk to you about joining our team of volunteer drivers and Fix-It Service volunteers. You can start the conversation by contacting our Volunteer Engagement team at (858) 637-3050 or start your volunteer profile online at secure.jfssd.org/highneedsapp.

Misti Allred has over 20 years of experience in various aspects of human resources, including training, management, payroll, and development. For the past three-and-a-half years, she has served as a volunteer job coach for Employment and Career Services Career Kick-Start program. Misti works one-on-one with clients to help them polish their skills in resume writing, interviewing, and LinkedIn.

Misti enjoys working with all types of job seekers including recent college grads, mature workers, transitioning military personnel, career changers, and mid-career job seekers. She says of her volunteer work “There’s no better feeling than helping to empower someone in getting a job and contributing to not only to the workforce but to society as a whole.”

We value Misti’s expertise, time, and generosity of spirit and are lucky to have her. Thanks, Misti!

On the Go Driver Jim Manson Delivers 500th Ride!

Jim Manson was recognized for his volunteer service as an On the Go Rides & Smiles Driver at this year’s Rancho Bernardo Hats Off to Volunteers event on April 22nd. Jim retired after 25 years active duty as a still photographer in the USAF and is also a retired AFJROTC instructor. With his wife Barbara’s encouragement, Jim joined Rides & Smiles in 2012 and began providing rides during his summer breaks. He fell in love with the program and the people he transported. He now has a group of “regular riders” and has provided over 500 rides, so far. Jim and Barbara, who is also a volunteer driver, have become wonderful ambassadors for On the Go. They share their positive experiences as a Rides & Smiles volunteer driver around the community encouraging others to join them. Jim & Barb have been on both local TV & radio in support of On the Go.

Calling all groups, Havurahs, and businesses! Here is your chance to do good on your lunch break. Do you have a group of 8-12 team members and availability between 11am – 1pm on a weekday? Then help us bring warm meals and warm smiles to homebound individuals by adopting a Foodmobile route on a monthly basis! We can come to you for an on-site training and teams of two can participate each month. This is a great way to build employee engagement and team morale. If you are interested, please contact Melinda Wilkes at melindaw@jfssd.org or (858) 637-3050.

Older adults have places to go, including vital doctor’s appointments, lunch dates, religious services and more! Volunteer drivers in On the Go’s Rides & Smiles program use their own vehicles to provide individual transportation to older adults. Our convenient online scheduling system makes volunteering easy – you decide who, when, and where to drive. Mileage reimbursement and secondary auto insurance is provided. Register today at secure.jfssd.org/highneedsapp.

Brighten an Older Adult’s Day With a Friendly Visit

We have two Jewish older adults who are eagerly waiting for companionship and friendship. Can you lend a few hours a month?

Woman #1 is a Holocaust survivor in her 90’s. She lives in El Cajon, is very talkative and loves to tell stories. She used to attend services at Congregation Beth Jacobs, but can no longer go on her own. She is open to either female or male friendly visitors.

Woman #2 lives in a facility in Rancho Bernardo. She is very disconnected to the community, and would very much benefit from a visitor. She expressed some issues with depression and is wheelchair bound. She is in a fairly large facility, and would love for someone to visit and take her outside for some fresh air and sunshine. She is a retired English teacher, and would love to read/write with someone. She also loves music.

Free Dementia 101 Training to all JFS Volunteers Working with Older Adults

As a valued member of our team, we want to extend this important training to you. Join fellow volunteers at our On the Go Rides & Smiles “Smiley Hour” for lunch and learn on Thursday, June 8, noon to 1:30pm at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus. Amy Abrams, Education & Outreach Manager with Alzheimer’s San Diego, will provide information on the disease and practical tips on how to help those who are suffering from the illness. This will help inform our work as an agency and as a community. Space is limited! Contact Marilyn Greenblatt at marilynb@jfssd.org or (858) 637-7333 to RSVP. Priority given to volunteers of JFS.

AmeriCorps VIP Updates

If you didn’t know, Jewish Family Service of San Diego is proud to host the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) for San Diego County. AmeriCorps VIP Fellows volunteer 11 months to expand volunteerism throughout San Diego County.